RSMA Exhibition 2025
RSMA Exhibition Info & Dates
RSMA Exhibition - join us in 2024
RSMA Exhibition - join us in 2024

2024 EXHIBITION DATES AND SUBMISSION DETAILS

General guidance on submitting work to an RSMA Annual Exhibition

Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Royal Society of Marine Artists at the RSMA Annual Exhibition

The Royal Society of Marine Artists seeks submissions of art inspired by the sea and marine environment, including harbours and shorelines, traditional craft and contemporary shipping, creeks, beaches, wildlife - in short anything that involves tidal water.

The RSMA Annual Exhibition is widely recognised as a showcase for the best in contemporary marine art, with selected work from the open entry hung alongside the work of members.

Submissions are ONLINE ONLY and open until Friday 26 July

We recommend that artists submit well in advance of the deadline to allow time for assistance with their application if required.

Important Dates

Submissions open: Wednesday 1 May, 12 noon

Submissions close: Friday 26 July, 12 noon

Notification of selection: Friday 9 August, 12 noon

Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 7 September, 10am to 5pm

Private View (Invite only): Wednesday 18 September, 4pm to 9pm, official opening at 6:30pm

Exhibition opens: Thursday 19 September, 10am to 5pm daily

Exhibition closes: Saturday 28 September, 5pm

Collection of unsold work: Thursday 3 October, 10am to 5pm



How to Submit

Please read this page first on Mall Galleries site for full details. Click here.

A single-stage virtual judging of all submitted works will take place, after which selected works should be delivered to Mall Galleries, London, for inclusion in the exhibition.

Upload your work to our Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) between Wednesday 1 May and Friday 26 July 2024.

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format and under 5MB. The judges will make their decision based on these images, therefore please submit good quality photographs.

Log in to the OESS from 12 noon on Friday 9 August to see if your work has been selected

If selected, deliver your work on Saturday 7 September, 10am to 5pm, to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels, which are downloadable upon notification of selection.

You can submit your work/works using the link below.

SUBMIT HERE



Eligibility

Who may enter?

Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world.

How many works may I enter?

Artists may enter a maximum of six works each, from which up to four works per artist may be selected.

What type of work is eligible?

Artists are strongly urged to submit new work not previously exhibited.

Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension.

All works must be an original creation by the artist.

Subject matter:

Subject matter must be essentially marine in nature, relating in some way to tidal waters of the world; topographical, historical, still life, and figure painting are all welcomed.

Works relating to non-tidal rivers, inland lakes and waterways etc. are not permissible.

Acceptable media:

Oil, acrylic, watercolour, original prints of any media (excluding photography), mixed media, textiles, drawings, pastels, or sculpture.

Works may be from a limited edition not exceeding fifty.



Delivery and collection

Works should be delivered and collected on the specified receiving and collection days via the gallery's rear entrance at Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD.

If you are unable to deliver or collect your work, you may send another person on your behalf – this may include an art courier (see below).

Artists are responsible for the costs of delivery and collection.

Delivery

Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels, which are downloadable upon notification of selection.

All packaging must be taken away at the point of delivery.

You are advised to check the relevant websites for any events or road closures in central London, or public transport delays or cancellations, that might effect your journey.

Collection

We are unable to wrap works or provide wrapping for works being returned.

Any uncollected works may be removed from the gallery after the collection day and stored by an independent courier company at the artist's expense.

If works are not collected within 12 months of the collection day, the gallery will be entitled to destroy, sell, or otherwise dispose of the works without consent, prior notification, or compensation to the artist.

Art Couriers

For a full list of UK art couriers by region click here.. Then click Full Details... etc within RSMA exhibition and scroll down to Art Couriers.

For international artists click here.. Then click Full Details... etc within RSMA exhibition and scroll down for details regarding Picture Post.

Please note that we do not accept liability for the services of any art courier.



Selection

How are works selected for exhibition?

The works for exhibition are selected by a committee formed of members of the Society.

If selected works arrive damaged, with unacceptable framing, size discrepancies from the original submission, or not as shown online, these will be withdrawn and work will need to be collected from Mall Galleries by the artist at their expense.

May I ask for feedback?

The decision of the Selection Committee is final and we are unable to offer feedback.

How are the prize winners selected?

The prize winning works are selected in time for the awards ceremony during the Private View, prior to the exhibition opening to the public.



Entry Pricing and Concessions

How much does it cost to enter?

There is a non-refundable submission fee of £20 per work, or £14 per work for artists aged 35 or under.

The submission fee includes free admission to the exhibition (normally £5).

Maximum artwork entries: 6



Sales

Does my work have to be for sale?

All work must be for sale.

Once work has been submitted, any sale made by the gallery before or during the course of the exhibition up to and including the collection day shall take precedence and supersede one made privately. Any private sale made in this period will incur the normal commission.

How should I price my work?

There is a minimum price per work of £600, except for prints – framed £325, unframed £200.

Unless otherwise advised, the gallery will charge a commission on the total price paid for works, including commissioned works, before, during, or as a result of the exhibition.

The price submitted should be the selling price, which should include commission, and is the price at which the work will be sold.

The price of works must include commission of 45% +VAT (please note that where foundry fees apply, foundry costs will be deducted before commission is calculated). If an artist is registered for VAT, then the VAT due on the selling price of works should be included in the price submitted.

Mall Galleries reserves the right to query the price of works.

May I change the price of my work once submitted?

The price of works may only be changed by written agreement between the artist and Mall Galleries.

How will I know if my work has sold?

You will be notified by Mall Galleries if your work sells.



International Artists

I am an international artist, do I need to register for a UK VAT number to sell my work?

Artists who are not resident in the UK but are resident in the EU or elsewhere are welcome to submit work. If your work is selected for the exhibition, you have a responsibility to register and account for UK VAT with H.M. Revenue & Customs.

Artists without a UK residence, known as 'NETPs' (non-established taxable persons) can find further details on 'NETP' status and how to register for VAT at www.hmrc.gov.uk (HM Revenues & Customs Reference: Notice 700/1, Mar 2014) under the heading 'Should I be registered for VAT?'

Please note: the registration process can take up to 4 weeks. Please address any questions you may have to the VAT Helpline on tel. no. 0300 200 3700 or Outside UK: +44 2920 501 261.



Presentation

How should I present my work?

Frames or stretchers should be sufficiently substantial to withstand mirror plating with 12mm (size 6) screws.

Artists are advised to use plain, simple framing in a light or medium colour.

Metal frames, unprotected glass edges and clip frames are inadmissible.

Please remove all fittings and fixings from the back of frames, for example D-rings and picture wire. This is to prevent damage to other works, and because we will mirror-plate works for hanging.



Personal Data

The gallery will hold personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, the gallery may provide third parties with an artist's contact details in the course of administering exhibitions, commissions and prizes.

The gallery has the right to reproduce works in connection with the exhibition. The copyright and all other intellectual property rights will remain with the artist. If any rights are owned by a third party, that third party will remain the owner.

By submitting your contact details, you agree to be contacted about similar activities, such as artist opportunities and open calls organised by Mall Galleries / Federation of British Artists.



Liability

The gallery is not responsible for any loss of, or any damage to, works entrusted to them. All goods are at the artist owner's risk absolutely and the gallery and/or their agents exclude all liability to the maximum extent permitted by law. The galleries are used for various purposes and so artists are advised to insure their works against all risks.

The gallery endeavours to take good care of works sent for exhibition, but in the event of a work sent being lost, destroyed or damaged, the gallery's liability (if any) shall not exceed the value of the work as stated at the time of submission (less 45% plus VAT) or any altered price subsequently.

In the event of any dispute regarding loss or damage, the dispute shall be referred for final arbitration to an independent expert valuer to be chosen by agreement between the parties, provided that the arbitrator's award shall not exceed the gallery's maximum liability as above.

Artists shall indemnify and keep indemnified the gallery against any actions between the artist and any third party.



Help...



If you require support with your application, please contact: exhibitions@mallgalleries.com



RSMA 2024 Awards and Prizes


The following Awards will be presented at the 2024 RSMA Exhibition (subject to confirmation)

Each year a number of prizes are awarded. Most of the prize-winners are selected by the companies or individuals sponsoring the award.

We are most grateful for the continuing support of all our sponsors.

BAE Systems Naval Ships Award

For the best work capturing the story of British Shipbuilding – People, Ships and Shipyards. The work will capture some of the rich history in British shipbuilding through the ages and looking into the future with particular focus on people, skilled crafts, trades and emerging technologies. The work will embody the characters and passion of the British shipbuilding community and bring to life the essence of this historic British industry.
Value: £5,000.

The Baltic Exchange Award

For an outstanding work related to the maritime industry, selected by the Society’s President and the Chairman of the Baltic Exchange. Including works related to trade (ports, cargo vessel, etc), ship building, safety at sea, the crew, the RNLI or NCI. The Baltic is an historic membership organisation at the heart of the international shipping industry, providing services relied upon by shipping markets worldwide
Value: £2,000.

The Murray's Commercial Fishing Award

For a work in any medium depicting commercial fishing.
Value: £500 for the first prize and £100 for the second.

The Sea Pictures Gallery Award

Two prizes of £500 for a work of distinction by an RSMA member and non-member.
Value: £500

The Kenneth Denton Award

For a work on the theme ‘The Sea in all its Moods’, Made possible by the generosity of late member Kenneth Denton.
Value: £500.

The Charles Pears Award

For an outstanding work, in any medium by a non-member. To be judged by the RSMA Selection Committee.
Value: £500.

Robert Abraham Memorial Prize

For the best oil painting by a full member of the RSMA at the bequest of the late member Lorraine Abraham. The annual award is dedicated to her husband Robert.
Value: £500.

The RSMA Award for the Best Small Painting

For a work in any medium measuring no more than 30 cm (12”) along its longest length (excluding frame). Made possible by the generosity of a member.
Value: £300.

The RSMA New Generation Award

Awarded by the Society, the successful artist will receive £250. Open to all artists aged 35 or under at the close of submissions.
Value: £250.

The Winsor and Newton Oil Prize

For a notable oil painting.
Value: £250 worth of Winsor & Newton materials to be chosen by the winner.

The Topbond Marine Award

For works depicting marine engineering or construction activities in harbours, estuaries or marine waters within the UK.
Value: £250.

The Marine Quarterly "Sea from Seaward" Prize

For a painting of a boat or ship as seen from the seaward that demonstrates individuality of technique, viewpoint and interpretation. The winning work may be featured as the cover image on a future issue of the publication.
Value: £100.

The Classic Boat Prize

The winner will receive a year’s subscription to Classic Boat and a profile feature in Classic Boat Magazine
Value: Year’s subscription to Classic Boat and a profile feature in the magazine.

The Artist Magazine Award

For the most deserving work, as judged by the Magazine. The winner will be interviewed for a feature in The Artist magazine, print and digital edition.
Value: Feature article in The Artist magazine.

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The Royal Society of Marine Artists

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD.

Telephone: 020 7930 6844


Registered Charity No. 289944

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